Petra is the unmissable add-on to a southern Israel trip — but should you reach it from Eilat or from Amman? It depends on the shape of your trip.
Side by side
| From Eilat (Israel) | From Amman (Jordan) | |
|---|---|---|
| Border | Wadi Araba / Yitzhak Rabin (Aqaba) | None — domestic in Jordan |
| Drive to Petra | ~2–2.5 hrs | ~3–3.5 hrs |
| Best as | Day trip or overnight | Part of a Jordan tour |
| Pairs with | An Israel itinerary | Wadi Rum, Jerash, Dead Sea |
| Visa | Jordanian visa at the border (tours arrange) | Jordan Pass / visa on arrival |
| Cost | Premium day trip ($200+) | Spread across a multi-day Jordan trip |
Choose Eilat if…
Your trip is centred on Israel and you want Petra without rerouting through Jordan. From Eilat, the border is minutes away and an organised day trip handles the crossing, visa and transport — see the border crossings guide. An overnight is strongly recommended if you can spare it: a single day at Petra is rushed.
Choose Amman if…
You’re dedicating several days to Jordan. Petra then sits within a richer loop — Wadi Rum, Jerash, the Dead Sea and the King’s Highway — and you’ll arrive less tired, with time for the longer trails (the Monastery, the High Place of Sacrifice).
The verdict
On an Israel trip, go from Eilat — ideally as an overnight. On a Jordan trip, base around Amman/Petra and give the site the time it deserves. Either way, build in buffer for border formalities and start with our Eilat guide.